The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has threatened to wield big stick on any aspirant seeking elective positions on the platform of the party that tries to cause any kind of trouble in the forthcoming primaries.
A statement by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, quoted the chairman as advising the aspirants to conduct themselves with utmost discipline, maturity and statesmanship during the party primaries across the country.
Addressing the aspirants who recently underwent screening exercises conducted by various committees that were constituted by the party for the 2027 electoral process, Professor Yilwatda stressed that the party is committed to transparent, peaceful, credible, and democratic primaries that will further strengthen internal democracy and consolidate the confidence Nigerians continue to repose in the ruling party.
He made it clear that the leadership of the party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries.
He said that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.
According to him, the APC has painstakingly built a reputation as the most organised and nationally accepted political platform in Nigeria, and that no individual ambition would be allowed to override the collective interest of the party and the stability of the nation.
Professor Yilwatda reminded the aspirants that contests of such nature inevitably produce winners and non-winners, stressing that democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect and acceptance of outcomes.
“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached. I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism, and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy.”
The APC Chairman advised all aspirants to see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct before, during and after the primaries would reflect the values, discipline, and vision of the APC.
Professor Yilwatda who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tireless commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the success of the party’s internal processes said that the President Tinubu has continued to invest enormous energy, political goodwill and leadership capacity in building a stronger, more united and forward-looking APC capable of delivering sustainable development to Nigerians.
He advised aspirants and party stakeholders to align with the President’s vision and avoid actions or utterances capable of creating division, overheating the polity, or undermining the significant progress already recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Renewed Hope administration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This is not the time for destructive politics or selfish interests that may put a dent on the remarkable progress that has been achieved.”
